Ray brothers

Ricky (January 28, 1977 – December 13, 1992), Robert D (January 27, 1978 – October 20, 2000), and Randy Ray (June 3, 1979 – May 18, 2023) were three hemophiliac brothers who were diagnosed with HIV in 1986 due to HIV-infected infusions of Factor VIII.

Biography

Ricky, Robert, and Randy were hemophiliacs who contracted HIV from infusions of Factor VIII when they were less than 8 years old. Born to Arcadia, Florida natives Louise and Clifford Ray, the family was exiled from Arcadia as community members feared contracting the disease. Memorial Elementary School, in DeSoto County, would not allow them to attend school due to their diagnosis. They became the subject of a federal court battle against the DeSoto County School Board to allow the children to attend public school despite their diagnosis. The Rays were victorious in their legal battle, winning a $1.1 million settlement. They were allowed to go back to school, but the Ray home was burned down a week after the 1987 decision, forcing the family to leave Arcadia. The arsonist who burned down their home was never caught.[1]

After the arson of their home, the Ray Family settled in nearby Sarasota. The brothers attended Gocio Elementary School in spite of opposition from groups like Citizens Against AIDS.[2]

Ricky Ray became an activist in the fight against stigma surrounding AIDS. In 1992, he allowed camera crews to document his declining health and stated he wanted educate the public and raise awareness. President-elect Bill Clinton spoke to him and thanked him for his work raising awareness on AIDS.[3] Ricky Ray died in 1992 at age 15. Prior to his death, at the age of 13, he made headlines by planning to marry his 17-year-old girlfriend, but a judge blocked the wedding because of his age.

Robert died of AIDS related causes in 2000 at the age of 22. Shortly thereafter, their father, Clifford Ray, attempted suicide but survived.

Randy Ray married in 2001 and lived in Orlando, Florida. He managed his HIV through medication. He died May 18, 2023.[4]

See also

Sources

References
  1. Hammit, Bob (27 January 2019). "The Ray Brothers, A sad story about ignorance and intolerance". The Unfinished Pyramid. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  2. "Arson Cause of Fire at Rays -- Boys Start School Today".
  3. Basse, Craig; Frederick, Lisa (December 14, 1992). "Ricky Ray dies of AIDS". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  4. "'We'll see them again': Last living Ray brother diagnosed with AIDS in 80s passes away". FOX 13 Tampa Bay. 18 May 2023.
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